The Southern gateway to the state from Delaware. Also, home of professional wrestler Dirty Dennis Allen, so keep your Joisey comments to yourself!

The area now known as Carneys Point was first bought by a Quaker, John Fenwick, from the Lenni Lenape tribe for 2 ankers of rum, 8 knives, and 3 pairs of scissors.

In 1725, the area around Helm’s Cove was bought by two Irish immigrants, Thomas Carney and William Summerill, who established an estate. However, the area was not officially named Carneys Point Township until it was voted on in 1976. It was changed from Upper Penn’s Neck Township.

According to legend, in July 1820 Colonel Robert G. Johnson ate a tomato in front of a horrified crowd, proving that they were not poisonous and introducing one of the area’s most important crops.

In 1891, E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company bought the 200 acre Carney estate. In the 1960’s DuPont Chamber Works was the largest chemical factory in the world.

Exit 1 - Bayshore Oyster Stout

The third stop on our multi-year trip to explore New Jersey through its beer and culture takes us to Exit 1.

The southwest bayshore has been supplying oysters to Americans since colonial times. Until the 1950s, hundreds of millions of oysters were harvested annually. Now, thanks to efforts by many organizations, the oyster is coming back.

Oysters and stout had long been associated in the UK, but the tradition was gradually lost. Exit 1, an “export style” stout brewed with oysters, celebrates this tasty combination. The creamy flavor of English chocolate and roasted malts harmonizes with minerals from the oyster shells. Irish ale yeast adds a bit of fruitiness and a dry crispness. This rich stout is perfect for cool weather–and especially delicious when paired with a few Jersey oysters on the half shell.

Although some people don't believe the turnpike even goes down to exit 1 (most think it ends at Exit 4 especially the North Jersey people) As a proud South Jersey girl (living in North Jersey) I think the best think about Exit 1 for me is the world's best Strawberries. Available for a short time in June, Jersey Berries are the best in the country. I think it would be amazing to fuse a crisp summer ale with the sweet juiciness of a Jersey berry. No better way to celebrate summer in South Jersey!

PS: Exit 1 is more than just Carney's Point. Let's pay hommage to everything Salem County!

Salem County, N.J., perhaps the prettiest county in the state, may best be suited for a peach-flavored ale in honor of the many peach orchards there, but those fruit flavored beers are hit or miss. Perhaps a better choice would be a Double IPA in honor of the old Salem county ports on the Delaware River, as sailors would use India Pale Ales in the 19th-century during long voyages.